NobleBlocks

Projektträger Jülich

otherJülich, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Research output, citation impact, and the most-cited recent papers from Projektträger Jülich (Germany). Aggregated across the NobleBlocks index of 300M+ scholarly works.

Total works
66
Citations
1.8K
h-index
20
i10-index
27
Also known as
Project Management JülichProjektträger Jülich

Top-cited papers from Projektträger Jülich

Multiple stressor effects on coral reef ecosystems
Joanne I. Ellis, Tahira Jamil, Holger Anlauf, Darren J. Coker +4 more
2019· Global Change Biology154doi:10.1111/gcb.14819

Global climate change has profound implications on species distributions and ecosystem functioning. In the coastal zone, ecological responses may be driven by various biogeochemical and physical environmental factors. Synergistic interactions can occur when the combined effects of stressors exceed their individual effects. The Red Sea, characterized by strong gradients in temperature, salinity, and nutrients along the latitudinal axis provides a unique opportunity to study ecological responses over a range of these environmental variables. Using multiple linear regression models integrating in situ, satellite and oceanographic data, we investigated the response of coral reef taxa to local stressors and recent climate variability. Taxa and functional groups responded to a combination of climate (temperature, salinity, air-sea heat fluxes, irradiance, wind speed), fishing pressure and biogeochemical (chlorophyll a and nutrients - phosphate, nitrate, nitrite) factors. The regression model for each species showed interactive effects of climate, fishing pressure and nutrient variables. The nature of the effects (antagonistic or synergistic) was dependent on the species and stressor pair. Variables consistently associated with the highest number of synergistic interactions included heat flux terms, temperature, and wind speed followed by fishing pressure. Hard corals and coralline algae abundance were sensitive to changing environmental conditions where synergistic interactions decreased their percentage cover. These synergistic interactions suggest that the negative effects of fishing pressure and eutrophication may exacerbate the impact of climate change on corals. A high number of interactions were also recorded for algae, however for this group, synergistic interactions increased algal abundance. This study is unique in applying regression analysis to multiple environmental variables simultaneously to understand stressor interactions in the field. The observed responses have important implications for understanding climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and whether managing local stressors, such as nutrient enrichment and fishing activities, may help mitigate global drivers of change.

Computational Models for Clinical Applications in Personalized Medicine—Guidelines and Recommendations for Data Integration and Model Validation
Catherine Bjerre Collin, Tom Gebhardt, Martin Golebiewski, Tugce Karaderi +4 more
2022· Journal of Personalized Medicine104doi:10.3390/jpm12020166

The future development of personalized medicine depends on a vast exchange of data from different sources, as well as harmonized integrative analysis of large-scale clinical health and sample data. Computational-modelling approaches play a key role in the analysis of the underlying molecular processes and pathways that characterize human biology, but they also lead to a more profound understanding of the mechanisms and factors that drive diseases; hence, they allow personalized treatment strategies that are guided by central clinical questions. However, despite the growing popularity of computational-modelling approaches in different stakeholder communities, there are still many hurdles to overcome for their clinical routine implementation in the future. Especially the integration of heterogeneous data from multiple sources and types are challenging tasks that require clear guidelines that also have to comply with high ethical and legal standards. Here, we discuss the most relevant computational models for personalized medicine in detail that can be considered as best-practice guidelines for application in clinical care. We define specific challenges and provide applicable guidelines and recommendations for study design, data acquisition, and operation as well as for model validation and clinical translation and other research areas.

Valorization of Sida (<i>Sida hermaphrodita</i>) biomass for multiple energy purposes
Nicolai David Jablonowski, Tobias Kollmann, Moritz Nabel, Tatjana Damm +4 more
2016· GCB Bioenergy74doi:10.1111/gcbb.12346

Abstract The performance and biomass yield of the perennial energy plant Sida hermaphrodita (hereafter referred to as Sida) as a feedstock for biogas and solid fuel was evaluated throughout one entire growing period at agricultural field conditions. A Sida plant development code was established to allow comparison of the plant growth stages and biomass composition. Four scenarios were evaluated to determine the use of Sida biomass with regard to plant development and harvest time: (i) one harvest for solid fuel only; (ii) one harvest for biogas production only; (iii) one harvest for biogas production, followed by a harvest of the regrown biomass for solid fuel; and (iv) two consecutive harvests for biogas production. To determine Sida's value as a feedstock for combustion, we assessed the caloric value, the ash quality, and melting point with regard to DIN EN ISO norms. The results showed highest total dry biomass yields of max. 25 t ha −1 , whereas the highest dry matter of 70% to 80% was obtained at the end of the growing period. Scenario (i) clearly indicated the highest energy recovery, accounting for 439 288 MJ ha −1 ; the energy recovery of the four scenarios from highest to lowest followed this order: (i) ≫ (iii) ≫ (iv) &gt; (ii). Analysis of the Sida ashes showed a high melting point of &gt;1500 °C, associated with a net calorific value of 16.5–17.2 MJ kg −1 . All prerequisites for DIN EN ISO norms were achieved, indicating Sida's advantage as a solid energy carrier without any post‐treatment after harvesting. Cell wall analysis of the stems showed a constant lignin content after sampling week 16 (July), whereas cellulose had already reached a plateau in sampling week 4 (April). The results highlight Sida as a promising woody, perennial plant, providing biomass for flexible and multipurpose energy applications.

The German R&amp;D Program for CO2 Utilization—Innovations for a Green Economy
Lothar Mennicken, Alexander Janz, Stefanie Roth
2016· Environmental Science and Pollution Research72doi:10.1007/s11356-016-6641-1

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is a field of key emerging technologies. CCU can support the economy to decrease the dependency on fossil carbon raw materials, to stabilize electricity grids and markets with respect to a growing share of fluctuating renewable energy. Furthermore, it can contribute to mitigate anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has provided substantial financial support for research and development projects, stimulating research, development, and innovations in the field of CO2 utilization. This review provides an overview over the most relevant funding measures in this field. Examples of successful projects demonstrate that CCU technologies are already economically viable or technologically ready for industrial application. CCU technologies as elements of a future "green economy" can contribute to reach the ambitious German sustainability targets with regard to climate protection as well as raw material productivity.

German Medical Informatics Initiative: Unlocking Data for Research and Health Care
Stefanie Gehring, René Eulenfeld
2018· Methods of Information in Medicine61doi:10.3414/me18-13-0001

This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on the German Medical Informatics Initiative. The Medical Informatics Initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research will make use of the potential of digitalization in the field of medicine in Germany. The aim is to improve the possibilities for medical research and patient care through innovative IT solutions. In an initial step, data integration centres will be set up at university hospitals to ensure the technical and organizational conditions necessary for multi-site exchange of data between health care and clinical and biomedical research. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research will provide a total of around EUR 150 million for this initiative over the next four years.

Implementation of European marine policy: New water quality targets for German Baltic waters
Gerald Schernewski, René Friedland, Marina Carstens, Ulrike Hirt +4 more
2014· Marine Policy61doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2014.09.002

A full re-calculation of Water Framework Directive reference and target concentrations for German coastal waters and the western Baltic Sea is presented, which includes a harmonization with HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) targets. Further, maximum allowable nutrient inputs (MAI) and target concentrations in rivers for the German Baltic catchments are suggested. For this purpose a spatially coupled, large scale and integrative modeling approach is used, which links the river basin flux model MONERIS to ERGOM-MOM, a three-dimensional ecosystem model of the Baltic Sea. The years around 1880 are considered as reference conditions reflecting a high ecological status and are reconstructed and simulated with the model system. Alternative approaches are briefly described, as well. For every WFD water body and the open sea, target concentrations for nitrogen and phosphorus compounds as well as chlorophyll a are provided by adding 50% to the reference concentrations. In general, the targets are less strict for coastal waters and slightly stricter for the sea (e.g. 1.2 mg/m³ chl.a summer average for the Bay of Mecklenburg), compared to current values. By taking into account the specifics of every water body, this approach overcomes the inconsistencies of earlier approaches. Our targets are well in agreement with the BSAP targets, but provide spatially refined and extended results. The full data are presented in Appendix A1 and A2. To reach the targets, German nitrogen inputs have to be reduced by 34%. Likely average maximum allowable concentrations in German Baltic rivers are between 2.6 and 3.1 mg N/l. However, the concrete value depends on the scenario and uncertainties with respect to atmospheric deposition. To our results, MAI according to the BSAP may be sufficient for the open sea, but are not sufficient to reach a good WFD status in German coastal waters.

Overview: Experimental studies of crystal nucleation: Metals and colloids
D.M. Herlach, Thomas Palberg, Ina Klassen, Stefan Klein +1 more
2016· The Journal of Chemical Physics48doi:10.1063/1.4963684

Crystallization is one of the most important phase transformations of first order. In the case of metals and alloys, the liquid phase is the parent phase of materials production. The conditions of the crystallization process control the as-solidified material in its chemical and physical properties. Nucleation initiates the crystallization of a liquid. It selects the crystallographic phase, stable or meta-stable. Its detailed knowledge is therefore mandatory for the design of materials. We present techniques of containerless processing for nucleation studies of metals and alloys. Experimental results demonstrate the power of these methods not only for crystal nucleation of stable solids but in particular also for investigations of crystal nucleation of metastable solids at extreme undercooling. This concerns the physical nature of heterogeneous versus homogeneous nucleation and nucleation of phases nucleated under non-equilibrium conditions. The results are analyzed within classical nucleation theory that defines the activation energy of homogeneous nucleation in terms of the interfacial energy and the difference of Gibbs free energies of solid and liquid. The interfacial energy acts as barrier for the nucleation process. Its experimental determination is difficult in the case of metals. In the second part of this work we therefore explore the potential of colloidal suspensions as model systems for the crystallization process. The nucleation process of colloids is observed in situ by optical observation and ultra-small angle X-ray diffraction using high intensity synchrotron radiation. It allows an unambiguous discrimination of homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation as well as the determination of the interfacial free energy of the solid-liquid interface. Our results are used to construct Turnbull plots of colloids, which are discussed in relation to Turnbull plots of metals and support the hypothesis that colloids are useful model systems to investigate crystal nucleation.

Sea Spray Aerosol Chamber Study on Selective Transfer and Enrichment of Free and Combined Amino Acids
Nadja Triesch, Manuela van Pinxteren, Matthew Salter, Christian Stolle +3 more
2021· ACS Earth and Space Chemistry39doi:10.1021/acsearthspacechem.1c00080

Free (FAAs) and combined amino acids (CAAs) were investigated on size-resolved samples of nascent sea spray aerosol (SSA) particles generated during controlled laboratory experiments. Compared to seawater, the amino acids were strongly enriched on the SSA particles. The enrichment factors (EFaer) on submicron SSA particles (EFaer∑FAA: 2.5 × 106 and EFaer∑CAA: 7.9 × 105) were 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than on supermicron ones (EFaer∑FAA: 1.0 × 105 and EFaer∑CAA: 7.3 × 104) and continuously increased toward smaller SSA particles. Molecular-level analysis showed that the more polar the FAAs, the more they are enriched on the SSA particles (especially FAAs with polar acid side chains, e.g., aspartic acid: EFaer of 5.8 × 106). Comparison of the amino acids present on nascent SSA with those present on ambient marine aerosol particles revealed a higher complexity of the amino acids of the nascent SSA, suggesting that atmospheric processes likely reduce the amino acid diversity. In addition, our results highlight that although almost all the amino acids studied are transferred to the atmosphere via bubble bursting under controlled conditions, two amino acids, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine likely have additional sources to the atmosphere. GABA is likely formed on ambient marine submicron aerosol particles to a large extent (35–47% of ∑FAA). Glycine likely originates from long-range transport processes or photochemical reactions, as discussed in the literature; however, our results highlight the potential for a direct oceanic source via bubble bursting (∼20% of ∑FAA). Overall, bubble-bursting-derived total amino acids made up 11–18% of the mass of dissolved organic carbon on the submicron SSA particles.

Settling and collision between small ice crystals in turbulent flows
Jennifer Jucha, Aurore Naso, Emmanuel Lévêque, Alain Pumir
2018· Physical Review Fluids34doi:10.1103/physrevfluids.3.014604

In cold clouds, small crystals of size $\ensuremath{\sim}$ 100 $\ensuremath{\mu}$m settling in a turbulent fluid need to aggregate through collisions to form large hail or graupel particles. Using fully resolved direct numerical simulations, the role of the two main physical processes responsible for collisions is clarified, namely, turbulence and the difference in settling velocity due to different crystals orientations.

Hybridization of mouse lemurs: different patterns under different ecological conditions
Andreas Hapke, Mark Gligor, S. Jacques Rakotondranary, David Rosenkranz +1 more
2011· BMC Evolutionary Biology28doi:10.1186/1471-2148-11-297

Several mechanistic models aim to explain the diversification of the multitude of endemic species on Madagascar. The island's biogeographic history probably offered numerous opportunities for secondary contact and subsequent hybridization. Existing diversification models do not consider a possible role of these processes. One key question for a better understanding of their potential importance is how they are influenced by different environmental settings. Here, we characterized a contact zone between two species of mouse lemurs, Microcebus griseorufus and M. murinus, in dry spiny bush and mesic gallery forest that border each other sharply without intermediate habitats between them. We performed population genetic analyses based on mtDNA sequences and nine nuclear microsatellites and compared the results to a known hybrid zone of the same species in a nearby wide gradient from dry spiny bush over transitional forest to humid littoral forest. In the spiny-gallery system, Microcebus griseorufus is restricted to the spiny bush; Microcebus murinus occurs in gallery forest and locally invades the dryer habitat of its congener. We found evidence for bidirectional introgressive hybridization, which is closely linked to increased spatial overlap within the spiny bush. Within 159 individuals, we observed 18 hybrids with mitochondrial haplotypes of both species. Analyses of simulated microsatellite data indicate that we identified hybrids with great accuracy and that we probably underestimated their true number. We discuss short-term climatic fluctuations as potential trigger for the dynamic of invasion and subsequent hybridization. In the gradient hybrid zone in turn, long-term aridification could have favored unidirectional nuclear introgression from Microcebus griseorufus into M. murinus in transitional forest. Madagascar's southeastern transitional zone harbors two very different hybrid zones of mouse lemurs in different environmental settings. This sheds light on the multitude of opportunities for the formation of hybrid zones and indicates an important influence of environmental factors on secondary contact and hybridization. Our findings suggest that hybridization could enhance the adaptability of mouse lemurs without necessarily leading to a loss of distinctiveness. They point to a potential role of hybridization in Madagascar's diversification history that requires further investigation.

In situ eutrophication stimulates dinitrogen fixation, denitrification, and productivity in Red Sea coral reefs
YC El-Khaled, Florian Roth, Arjen Tilstra, Nils Rädecker +4 more
2020· Marine Ecology Progress Series25doi:10.3354/meps13352

Eutrophication (i.e. the increase of [in-]organic nutrients) may affect the functioning of coral reefs, but knowledge about the effects on nitrogen (N) cycling and its relationship to productivity within benthic reef communities is scarce. Thus, we investigated how in situ manipulated eutrophication impacted productivity along with 2 counteracting N-cycling pathways (dinitrogen [N 2 ]-fixation, denitrification), using a combined acetylene assay. We hypothesised that N 2 -fixation would decrease and denitrification increase in response to eutrophication. N fluxes and productivity (measured as dark and light oxygen fluxes assessed in incubation experiments) were determined for 3 dominant coral reef functional groups (reef sediments, turf algae, and the scleractinian coral Pocillopora verrucosa ) after 8 wk of in situ nutrient enrichment in the central Red Sea. Using slow-release fertiliser, we increased the dissolved inorganic N concentration by up to 7-fold compared to ambient concentrations. Experimental nutrient enrichment stimulated both N 2 -fixation and denitrification across all functional groups 2- to 7-fold and 2- to 4-fold, respectively. Productivity doubled in reef sediments and remained stable for turf algae and P. verrucosa . Our data therefore suggest that (1) turf algae are major N 2 -fixers in coral reefs, while denitrification is widespread among all investigated groups; (2) surprisingly, and contrary to our hypothesis, both N 2 -fixation and denitrification are involved in the response to moderate N eutrophication, and (3) stimulated N 2 -fixation and denitrification are not directly influenced by productivity. Our findings underline the importance and ubiquity of microbial N cycling in (Red Sea) coral reefs along with its sensitivity to eutrophication.

Full assessment of Sida (<i>Sida hermaphrodita</i>) biomass as a solid fuel
Nicolai David Jablonowski, Tobias Kollmann, Martin Meiller, Matthias Dohrn +4 more
2020· GCB Bioenergy24doi:10.1111/gcbb.12694

Abstract Due to an increased awareness of climate change and limited fossil resources, the demand for alternative energy carriers such as biomass has risen significantly during the past years. This development is supported by the idea of a transition to a bio‐based economy reducing fossil‐based carbon dioxide emissions. Based on this trend, biomass for energy is expected to be used in the EU mainly for heating until the end of the decade. The perennial herbaceous mallow plant Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby (‘Sida’) has high potential as an alternative biomass plant for energy purposes. Different density cultivation scenarios of Sida accounting for 1, 2, or 4 plants per m 2 resulted in a total biomass yield of 21, 28, and 34 tons dry matter/ha, respectively, over a 3‐year period under agricultural conditions while the overall investment costs almost doubled from 2 to 4 plants per m 2 . Subsequently, Sida biomass was used as SI) chips, SII) pellets, and SIII) briquettes for combustion studies at pilot plant scale. Pellets outcompeted chips and briquettes by showing low CO emission of 40 mg/Nm 3 , good burnout, and low slagging behavior, however, with elevated NO x and SO 2 levels. In contrast, combustion of chips and briquettes displayed high CO emissions of &gt;1,300 mg/Nm 3 , while SO 2 values were below 100 mg/Nm 3 . Contents of HCl in the flue gas ranged between 32 and 52 mg/Nm 3 for all Sida fuels tested. High contents of alkaline earth metals such as CaO resulted in high ash melting points of up to 1,450°C. Life cycle assessment results showed the lowest ecological impact for Sida pellets taking all production parameters and environmental categories into consideration, showing further advantages of Sida over other alternative biomasses. Overall, the results indicate the improved applicability of pelletized Sida biomass as a renewable biogenic energy carrier for combustion.

Collision rate of ice crystals with water droplets in turbulent flows
Aurore Naso, Jennifer Jucha, Emmanuel Lévêque, Alain Pumir
2018· Journal of Fluid Mechanics21doi:10.1017/jfm.2018.238

Riming, the process whereby ice crystals get coated by impacting supercooled liquid droplets, is one of the dominant processes leading to precipitation in mixed-phase clouds. How a settling crystal collides with very small water droplets has been mostly studied in laminar conditions. The present numerical study aims at providing further insight on how turbulent flow motion affects the riming of ice crystals. We model the crystals as narrow oblate ellipsoids, smaller than the Kolmogorov elementary scale. By neglecting the effect of fluid inertia on the motion of the crystals and droplets, and using direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations in a moderately turbulent regime, over a range of kinetic energy dissipation $1~\text{cm}^{2}~\text{s}^{-3}\lesssim \unicode[STIX]{x1D700}\lesssim 256~\text{cm}^{2}~\text{s}^{-3}$ , we determine the collision rate between disk-shaped ice crystals and very small liquid water droplets. Whereas differential settling plays the dominant role in determining the collision rate at small turbulence intensity, the role of turbulence becomes more important at the large values of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}$ simulated, an effect that can be partly attributed to the increased role of inertia. We always find that collisions occur with a large probability on the rim of the ellipsoids, a phenomenon that can be explained to a large extent by kinematic considerations. The difference in the settling velocity of crystals and droplets induces a strong asymmetry in the probability of collision between the faces of the ellipsoids. Our results shed light on the physical mechanisms involved in the riming of ice crystals in clouds.

Response to Kruse-Plass et al. (2017) regarding the risk to non-target lepidopteran larvae exposed to pollen from one or more of three Bt maize events (MON810, Bt11 and 1507)
J. N. Perry, Paolo Bàrberi, Detlef K. Bartsch, A. N. E. Birch +4 more
2017· Environmental Sciences Europe20doi:10.1186/s12302-017-0119-8

We respond to the paper of Kruse-Plass et al. (Environ Sci Eur 29:12, 2017), published in this journal, regarding the risk to non-target lepidopteran larvae exposed to pollen from one or more of three Bt maize events (MON810, Bt11 and 1507). We emphasise that what is important for environmental risk assessment is not the number of pollen grains per se, but the degree of exposure of a NT lepidopteran larva to Bt protein contained in maize pollen. The main text of this response deals with general issues which Kruse-Plass et al. have failed to understand; more detailed refutations of each of their claims are given in Additional file 1. Valid environmental risk assessment requires direct measurement of pollen on leaves at varying distances outside a source field(s); such measurements reflect the potential exposure experienced by an individual larva on a host plant. There are no new data in the Kruse-Plass et al. paper, or indeed any data directly quantifying pollen on actual host-plant leaves outside a maize field; only data gathered within or at the edge of maize crops were reported. Values quoted by Kruse-Plass et al. for deposition on host plants outside the field were estimates only. We reiterate the severe methodological criticisms made by EFSA [Relevance of a new scientific publication (Hofmann et al. 2016) for previous environmental risk assessment conclusions and risk management recommendations on the cultivation of Bt-maize events MON810, Bt11 and 1507. EFSA Supp Publ; EN-1070, 2016], which render this estimation procedure unreliable. Furthermore, criticisms of EFSA (EFSA J 2015(13):4127, 2015) and of EFSA [Relevance of a new scientific publication (Hofmann et al. 2016) for previous environmental risk assessment conclusions and risk management recommendations on the cultivation of Bt-maize events MON810, Bt11 and 1507. EFSA Supp Publ; EN-1070, 2016] made by Kruse-Plass et al. are shown in Additional file 1 to be without foundation. We therefore consider that there is no valid evidence presented by Kruse-Plass et al. to justify their conclusions.

High rates of carbon and dinitrogen fixation suggest a critical role of benthic pioneer communities in the energy and nutrient dynamics of coral reefs
Florian Roth, Denis B. Karcher, Nils Rädecker, Sönke Hohn +4 more
2020· Functional Ecology19doi:10.1111/1365-2435.13625

Abstract Following coral mortality in tropical reefs, pioneer communities dominated by filamentous and crustose algae efficiently colonize substrates previously occupied by coral tissue. This phenomenon is particularly common after mass coral mortality following prolonged bleaching events associated with marine heatwaves. Pioneer communities play an important role for the biological succession and reorganization of reefs after disturbance. However, their significance for critical ecosystem functions previously mediated by corals, such as the efficient cycling of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) within the reef, remains uncertain. We used 96 carbonate tiles to simulate the occurrence of bare substrates after disturbance in a coral reef of the central Red Sea. We measured rates of C and dinitrogen (N 2 ) fixation of pioneer communities on these tiles monthly over an entire year. Coupled with elemental and stable isotope analyses, these measurements provide insights into macronutrient acquisition, export and the influence of seasonality. Pioneer communities exhibited high rates of C and N 2 fixation within 4–8 weeks after the introduction of experimental bare substrates. Ranging from 13 to 25 μmol C cm −2 day −1 and 8 to 54 nmol N cm −2 day −1 , respectively, C and N 2 fixation rates were comparable to reported values for established Red Sea coral reefs. This similarity indicates that pioneer communities may quickly compensate for the loss of benthic productivity by corals. Notably, between 40% and 85% of fixed organic C was exported into the environment, constituting a vital source of energy for the coral reef food web. Our findings suggest that benthic pioneer communities may play a crucial, yet overlooked role in the C and N dynamics of oligotrophic coral reefs by contributing to the input of new C and N after coral mortality. While not substituting other critical ecosystem functions provided by corals (e.g. structural habitat complexity and coastal protection), pioneer communities likely contribute to maintaining coral reef nutrient cycling through the accumulation of biomass and import of macronutrients following coral loss. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Towards standardization guidelines for <i>in silico</i> approaches in personalized medicine
Søren Brunak, Catherine Bjerre Collin, Katharina Eva Ó Cathaoir, Martin Golebiewski +4 more
2020· Berichte aus der medizinischen Informatik und Bioinformatik/Journal of integrative bioinformatics18doi:10.1515/jib-2020-0006

Despite the ever-progressing technological advances in producing data in health and clinical research, the generation of new knowledge for medical benefits through advanced analytics still lags behind its full potential. Reasons for this obstacle are the inherent heterogeneity of data sources and the lack of broadly accepted standards. Further hurdles are associated with legal and ethical issues surrounding the use of personal/patient data across disciplines and borders. Consequently, there is a need for broadly applicable standards compliant with legal and ethical regulations that allow interpretation of heterogeneous health data through in silico methodologies to advance personalized medicine. To tackle these standardization challenges, the Horizon2020 Coordinating and Support Action EU-STANDS4PM initiated an EU-wide mapping process to evaluate strategies for data integration and data-driven in silico modelling approaches to develop standards, recommendations and guidelines for personalized medicine. A first step towards this goal is a broad stakeholder consultation process initiated by an EU-STANDS4PM workshop at the annual COMBINE meeting (COMBINE 2019 workshop report in same issue). This forum analysed the status quo of data and model standards and reflected on possibilities as well as challenges for cross-domain data integration to facilitate in silico modelling approaches for personalized medicine.

Ecophysiological changes and spore formation: two strategies in response to low‐temperature and high‐light stress in <i>Klebsormidium</i> cf. <i>flaccidum</i> (Klebsormidiophyceae, Streptophyta)<sup>1</sup>
Fátima Míguez, Andreas Holzinger, Beatriz Fernández‐Marín, José Ignacio García‐Plazaola +2 more
2020· Journal of Phycology15doi:10.1111/jpy.12971

Members of the cosmopolitan streptophycean genus Klebsormidium live in various habitats, including sand dunes and polar/alpine environments. To survive in these harsh conditions they must possess an array of adaptive physiological and structural mechanisms, for example, to deal with chilling and photochilling stresses. Since these mechanisms have not been studied in detail, the objectives of this study were (i) to determine the physiological and biochemical responses of Klebsormidium cf. flaccidum ( K . cf. flaccidum ) to chilling (low temperature [ LT ]) and photochilling ( LT in combination with high light [ HL ]) stresses; and (ii) to understand the cross‐link between biochemical parameters and cellular ultrastructural changes. The results indicated that 5°C is a temperature threshold (i.e., at 5°C) but not at higher temperatures, physiological changes were observed (F v /F m and ETR decreased and energy‐partitioning distribution changed, with an increase in Y[ NPQ ] under LT and an increase in Y[ NO ] under HL ‐ LT ). Also, pigment contents changed significantly, with increased concentrations of photoprotective pigments such as antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, and total carotenes. All of these responses occurred under LT and, to a greater extent, under LT ‐ HL , indicating that the two stresses (temperature and light) are additive. The cold treatment applied here induced the formation of spores under both LL and HL . The degree of photoinhibition was higher in spores than in vegetative cells, indicating that spores are less susceptible to photodamage. This study demonstrated a broad acclimation potential in different developmental stages of K . cf. flaccidum , which helps to explain the ecological success of this genus.

Overlooked Diversity of Ultramicrobacterial Minorities at the Air-Sea Interface
Janina Rahlff, Helge‐Ansgar Giebel, Christian Stolle, Oliver Wurl +2 more
2020· Atmosphere14doi:10.3390/atmos11111214

Members of the Candidate phylum Patescibacteria, also called Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR), are described as ultramicrobacteria with limited metabolic capacities. Wide diversity and relative abundances up to 80% in anaerobic habitats, e.g., in groundwater or sediments are characteristic for Candidatus Patescibacteria. However, only few studies exist for marine surface water. Here, we report the presence of 40 patescibacterial candidate clades at air-sea interfaces, including the upper water layer, floating foams and the sea-surface microlayer (SML), a &lt; 1 mm layer at the boundary between ocean and atmosphere. Particle-associated (&gt;3 µm) and free-living (3–0.2 µm) samples were obtained from the Jade Bay, North Sea, and 16S rRNA (gene) amplicons were analyzed. Although the abundance of Cand. Patescibacteria representatives were relatively low (&lt;1.3%), members of Cand. Kaiserbacteria and Cand. Gracilibacteria were found in all samples. This suggests profound aerotolerant capacities of these phylogenetic lineages at the air-sea interface. The presence of ultramicrobacteria in the &gt;3 µm fraction implies adhesion to bigger aggregates, potentially in anoxic niches, and a symbiotic lifestyle. Due to their small sizes, Cand. Patescibacteria likely become aerosolized to the atmosphere and dispersed to land with possible implications for affecting microbial communities and associated processes in these ecosystems.

Eine bibliometrische Analyse
Verena Weimer, Dirk Tunger, Tamara Heck, Marc Rittberger
2021· Frühe Bildung13doi:10.1026/2191-9186/a000543

Zusammenfassung. Anlässlich des zehnten Jubiläums der Zeitschrift skizziert der Beitrag die Wirkung der Zeitschrift anhand bibliometrischer Analysen. Die deskriptiven Analysen geben einen Überblick über die Autor_innen und Beitragsarten der Zeitschrift. Referenzanalysen zeigen das wissenschaftliche Netzwerk der Autor_innen der Frühen Bildung auf. Zitationsanalysen geben einen Überblick darüber, wie das Wissen aus Frühe Bildung im Forschungsfeld weitergetragen wird. Zur Untersuchung werden die Verlags- sowie Zitations- und Referenzdaten aus dem Web of Science herangezogen.

High Summer Temperatures Amplify Functional Differences Between Coral‐ and Algae‐Dominated Reef Communities
Florian Roth, Nils Rädecker, Susana Carvalho, Carlos M. Duarte +4 more
2021· Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America9doi:10.1002/bes2.1822

Photo 1: Typical examples of coral- (A) and algae-dominated (B) reef communities in the central Red Sea. The distance between the two sites is only 500 m. Changes from coral to algal dominance are observed globally, often as a result of local and/or global anthropogenic disturbances leading to the loss of live coral cover and the subsequent establishment of fast-growing algae. The consequences of these community changes for key ecosystem functions, such as primary productivity, calcification, organic matter, and nutrient recycling mediated by the underlying benthic communities are poorly understood. The alterations of these processes remain particularly uncertain with regard to the combined effects of environmental change. Photo credit: Florian Roth. Photo 2: Experiments were carried out at Abu Shosha reef located in the central Red Sea on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. The reef is characterized by a heterogeneous mosaic of patches of coral- and algae-dominated communities. Thus, this site allowed for the quantification of the functionality of both communities under identical environmental conditions. The detailed composition of benthic communities used for this experiment was assessed multiple times during the study period by benthic surveys and modern photogrammetry tools to account for the reef's structural complexity. Photo credit: Florian Roth. Photo 3: We used in situ incubations of natural coral- and algae-dominated reef communities to measure fluxes of oxygen, dissolved inorganic carbon, total alkalinity, dissolved organic carbon, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen. This non-invasive approach provides reproducible measurements of biogeochemical processes of structurally complex benthic communities. Thereby, it also accounts for the components of the carbon and nitrogen pool that are remineralized by microbial communities or cryptic fauna within the reef matrix. Photo credit: Holger Anlauf. Photo 4: A total of 2520 syringes with water drawn from the incubations chambers were collected to monitor changes in water chemistry and biological variables during the experiments; (A) a researcher collecting water samples from an algae-dominated reef community; (B) custom-made syringe-holders were used to stop the syringes from floating away; and (C) on the boat, water samples were filtered and/or processed directly for the highest quality in water chemistry measurements in the laboratory later on. Photo credit: (A) Holger Anlauf; (B) Florian Roth; (C) Luis Silva. These photographs illustrate the article “High summer temperatures amplify functional differences between coral- and algae-dominated reef communities” by Florian Roth, Nils Rädecker, Susana Carvalho, Carlos M. Duarte, Vincent Saderne, Andrea Anton, Luis Silva, Maria Ll. Calleja, Xosé Anxelu G. Morán, Christian R. Voolstra, Benjamin Kürten, Burton H. Jones, and Christian Wild published in Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.3226.